BRANGAENE (laughing). It seems thou art A tender hearted fool! GIMELLA. And yet it does Not seem as though thou couldst give much away! MARK (looking at the fool carefully). Whence comest thou, Sir Fool! STR. JESTER. I come from there-- From there outside, from nowhere else-- (Looking at ISEULT and in a soft voice-- almost singing.) And yet My mother was Blanchefleur! [ISEULT starts and stares across at him.] MARK (goes back laughing to his seat. UGRIN follows him). Ha! ha! The jest Is poor. Hast thou no better ones, my friend? Blanchefleur was mine own sister. She begat No fool like thee! STR. JESTER. 'Twas then some other one Who bore the self-same name and me the pain And sorrow, Mark. What matters it to thee? [Laughter.] 1ST KNIGHT (laughingly). Our jesting rogue grows bitter in his mirth! ISEULT. Let this strange jester stand a little forth That we may see him in the light. MARK. Come here, Sir Fool, and stand before the Queen. UGRIN. He is An ass as awkward as I e'er beheld! So cousin, judge by contrast 'twixt us two, And see the priceless thing thou hast in me! MARK. Go, fool, be not afraid. STR. JESTER (steps in front of the stone bench on the left, opposite ISEULT'S table). --I'm cold!--I'm cold! ISEULT (after looking at him for a moment breaks into a clear and relieved laugh). A sorry sight to look upon! [The Strange Jester hides his face in his hands.] GIMELLA (springing forward). The Queen Is laughing--see! BRANGAENE. Made he some witty jest? GIMELLA. Why laughst thou so, Iseult? DINAS. 'Tis horrible To see the fool's distorted face! ISEULT. He looks So pitifully at me! it makes me laugh! UGRIN. I'm angry with thee, Queen Iseult! Oh fie! For shame, how couldst thou laugh at that strange fool? (Turning to MARK.) I pray thee, Mark, good cousin, wilt thou give To him the two whole marks of gold? [During this time the Strange Jester sits on the railing which joins the bench to the fireplace. He rests his elbows on his knees and his face on his hands. He stares at ISEULT.] BRANGAENE. Rejoice! The King will give thee a reward since thou Hast cheered the Queen. STR. JESTER (without changing his attitude). Would that I'd make her weep, This Queen, instead of laugh!